Associate Professor Brian Jobling, at Boho One to celebrate the DigitalCity Ten Year anniversary

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DigitalCity will focus on bringing digital skills to businesses across the North-east through partnerships, knowledge transfer and education, it has been revealed.

Scores of people attended the organisation’s 10th anniversary celebration to hear its head David Jeffries talk about the direction the organisation will be taking in its next decade.

DigitalCity was launched in 2004 as an ambitious economic development initiative, to capitalise on Teesside University’s expertise and reputation in digital media and technology and boost the creation of new business. Speaking at Middlesbrough’s Boho One, DigitalCity’s flagship building, Mr Jeffries said: “DigitalCity is moving forward.

“Our work will look at how DigitalCity can help enterprises in the Tees Valley to use digital to expand, create better businesses, train and access new markets.

“Experts predict that there will be a massive shortage of digital skills in the coming years and we are brilliantly placed to work to fill that gap.

“DigitalCity and Teesside University are working together with schools and colleges to make sure young people know about the great opportunities in the digital sector.”

Digital leaders and entrepreneurs from across the region gathered to listen to key speakers at the event talk about the past and future of digital in the region.

DigitalCity companies Seed Animation, now based in London, Animmersion, based in Boho One, and Dr Tim Thompson of Anthronomics spoke on how DigitalCity had helped them with the business skills and support needed to make their ideas a reality.

Professor Brian Jobling, chair and founder of Eurytechnyx, a Gateshead software company that employs 180 staff across three continents, spoke on Eurytechnyx’s growth and the current digital climate, adding: “Digital in every form is going to continue to grow.”

Malcolm Taylor, head of DigitalCity Business, said: “We have created more than 537 new jobs as a result of DigitalCity, created 264 companies, attracted 12 businesses from outside the area and 515 new businesses have been supported. The businesses we have helped appreciate the support they get from concept to incubator to successful enterprise.”

Teesside University deputy vice-chancellor Cliff Hardcastle said: “DigitalCity is a city of progress – one that is making a real difference to the Tees Valley.

“As DigitalCity expands we will build even more businesses and continue to attract other companies in from outside the area. As we move towards the next 10 years I have every confidence that DigitalCity will continue to build on its already great reputation.”

Kevin Parkes, executive director for neighbourhoods and communities at Middlesbrough Council, said: “The great thing about the businesses in DigitalCity is that they create wealth - and that wealth is absolutely critical to this area.”